Small businesses social network site to launch in Rochester

A new social networking website geared toward small businesses has chosen Rochester as one of its launch cities.

Syracuse-based Brazzlebox, which will serve as a Facebook of sorts for small and home-based businesses, plans to launch in April. The company said, in a statement, that the initial launch will take place in Syracuse, Rochester, Buffalo, Utica and Albany. Brazzlebox will launch nationally soon after, officials said.

Small and home business owners will be able to create profiles on Brazzlebox for free and network with a community of professionals. Consumers can also sign up to receive local deals and discounts, and view a list of community events.

Glen Zinszer, CEO of Brazzlebox, said the site will fill the current business-to-business and business-to-consumer void on other social networking sites such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.

“We have created a site that makes it easy for you to instantly connect to your communities, speak directly to your customers and form customizable groups and business networks with other like-minded industry professionals within your area,” Zinszer said.